Freeley successfully undertook the safe removal and disposal of RAAC ceilings across multiple NHS hospitals in the North West, delivering complex works despite challenging conditions.
The project required exacting planning due to the risk of overloading the crash deck beneath the ceilings.
We developed a controlled system: roofing felt was removed, then RAAC ceilings were cut and broken out in small, manageable sections of up to approximately 2 m² using hand-held breakers. Each section was fully removed, debris cleared, and the area cleaned and dust suppressed before proceeding to the next, ensuring safe, sequential progress.
Time constraints added further complexity. By removing the roofing felt and concrete only in isolated bays, we limited exposure to the elements and allowed other contractors to follow seamlessly with roofing and decking works.
Minimising disruption to hospital activities was a priority. RAAC works in the Gallery Corridor were carried out at weekends, with dust extractors in use to maintain clean air. For the Dental Labs, where on-site space was limited, skips and welfare units were located off-site and materials carefully transported, with robust traffic management in place.
Through careful planning, expert execution, and strict attention to safety, Freeley delivered the project efficiently, safely, and with nominal disruption to hospital operations.
